Watch The Thrown: Your Ever-Updating 2011 NFL Trade Roundup

After more than four months of hibernation, the NFL blasted off this week after the players and owners signed the new CBA. Not only did this mean that the season was back, but that over eighteen weeks of free-agency and off-season trades had to be crammed into just five short days. Since Monday, every hour has consistently brought on some new rumors or principle agreements that either has us cheering or yelling, depending on which side of the field our allegiance lies. Raj and AJ, two of The Crew’s resident NFL junkies, walk through some of the most important moves made this week and their potential ramifications this year. Also, stay tuned because we’ll update as more moves are made.Plaxico Burress signs an one-year deal with New York Jets — Less than 48 hours removed from being reinstated back into the NFL, former Super Bowl winning WR Plaxico Burress is returning to New York–in a Jets uniform for at least a single season for a reported $3.17 million dollars. Braylon who? The Jets had their eye on a vet who won’t break their bank as they look to add some defensive additions before kickoff.Peyton Manning soon to be $90 million dollars richer — In a move that tied him for highest paid player in NFL history with Tom Brady, The Indianapolis Colts locked in their franchise player for five more years in which he’ll make $69 of those millions within the first three years of the contract. As a four time MVP and predicatably another Super Bowl win ahead of him, the Colts seem to have spent their money wisely.Eagles sign CB Nnamdi Asomugha to a 5-year deal — Until a couple hours ago, Nnamdi watch seemed to be a three way contest between the Jets, Cowboys, and Niners. Somehow, someway the City of Brotherly Love came out of left field and stole the man of the hour. In my books, the move puts their draft grade second only to the ever devious army of Bill Belichick’s goons. Now Philly’s suddenly scary pass defense consists of Nnamdi, Ellis Hobbs and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Asante Samuel appears to on his way out). Yeah, unless your last name is either Brady or Manning, a no-fly zone has been implemented in Philadelphia starting right now.Bears sign WR Roy Williams — By now the the story is well known. The Cowboys gave up way too much for a receiver who had one good season, that was nothing more than a blip in an otherwise flatline of a career. After years of futility on America’s team, the Bears have decided to pick him up and give him a shot – presumably at a much more reasonable price (all the details aren’t out yet).
Chicago has really nothing to lose here, as they bolster their quiet receiving corps, giving strong-armed, but weak-willed QB Jay Cutler another target to throw to. Make no mistake, Cutler will deliver him the ball, but it’s ultimately on Williams to patch the holes in his hands.Titans agree to terms with QB Matt Hasselbeck on multi-year deal — Matt Hasselbeck has so many intangibles. He might not throw the ball with any velocity, he’s about as mobile as the Statue of Liberty and he’s not getting any better at the age of 36. But his intangibles are off the charts. He’ll look great holding a clipboard by mid-season as the Jake Locker-era commences.Seattle agrees to terms with WR Sidney Rice on 5-year deal — Assuming that he’s fully healed from his injury, the Seahawks picked up a beast of a receiver here. Still only 24, the former Gamecock is physical, athletic and should bolster a receiving core already featuring Mike Williams 2.0. It’d be cool if they had a quarterback too. Baby steps, Seattle.Redskins agree to deal Albert Haynesworth to Patriots — So there’s this defensive tackle — at one point the highest paid defensive player in the League’s history — famous for a sh*tty work ethic, feuding with teammates and stomping on a defenseless Andre Gurode mid-game. He gets picked up by an old-school, no excuses, hard-nosed coach famous for pushing players buttons. And, ummm… did that really just happen?Chiefs agree to terms with WR Steve Breaston on 5-year deal — An already stacked Chiefs offense just got better with the addition of slot receiver Breaston. Win or lose, they’ll be a blast to play as in Madden. If anybody still plays Madden.Saints agree to deal RB Reggie Bush to Miami — While most players spent their lockout organizing workouts and staying in shape, Bush tweeted that he was enjoying the time off, relaxing, vacationing and making “appearances here and there!” Miami should be a great fit for him. There probably won’t be anything to distract him in South Beach.Arizona gets QB Kevin Kolb from Eagles for CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie & a second-round pick — Finally, we get to see Kevin Kolb in action. In a move that’s been rumored and discussed for quite some time, Arizona gets their young quarterback to build around and Philadelphia makes away with a high draft pick and talented young defensive back. And while he’s still around, Derek Anderson can teach Kolb how to put his “heart and soul into this shit.” Everybody wins.Redskins send QB Donovan McNabb to Minnesota for draft picks — The always quarterback-hungry Minnesota Vikings usher in a proven QB to clean up the mess from the failed Brett Favre experiment, but don’t expect too much here. Christian Ponder is still obviously the the play-caller of the future and has made it no secret that his time will come sooner than later.Eagles sign QB Vince Young to one-year deal — After hurling his shoulder pads into the stands and falling out of favor with head coach Jeff Fisher, there was zero chance that VY would be back in a Titans uniform in 2011. He was finally dumped and almost immediately picked up, in an interesting move, by Philly. He has a very similar playing style to Michael Vick, so from a defensive standpoint, planning for one is planning for both. But look for Vince to spend most of his time this year warming up Kevin Kolb’s old spot on the Eagles’ bench. Mike will remain the unquestionable starter.Patriots acquire WR Chad Ochocinco after restructuring his three-year contract — Leave it to the Belichick to gamble on the rejects. Mr. 85 is coming off a season where the Bengals decided his antics were too much to handle and due to “irreconcilable differences,” very obviously did not want him as part of the team moving forward. Assuming the Pats will maximize Chad’s potential, look for the Jets to match by signing a top-notch cornerback *cough* Nnamdi.Seahawks agree to terms with QB Tarvaris Jackson on two-year deal — After adding Cardinal backup Matt Leinart, they are taking their chances with the Minnesota backup. It’s a highly questionable free agent move that between these two and Charlie Whitehurst, it all but guarantees that their 2011 starting quarterback will be a former benchwarmer. Not a good look, Peter Carroll.Jets agree to terms with WR Santonio Holmes on five-year deal — Gang Green does their best Patriot impression once again by re-signing another troubled receiver. Holmes has been crucial so far to the Jets success through this point, so now it’s all on the staff to keep his weed puffing to a minimum over the next half-decade. Look for NY to sign another receiver to complement him if they don’t wind up sticking with Braylon Edwards and his own set of off-the-field issues.Greg Olsen traded to Carolina Panthers for third round pick — The Bears should have demanded at least a 2nd round pick for Greg Olsen, former member of The U’s “7th Floor Crew.” On the field, he equates to a poor man’s Dallas Clark (and his numbers will certainly dip as Carolina breaks in rookie Cam Newton), but off the field his lyricism is second-to-none: “Come on fellas, let’s get weird, stick ya dick up in her ear.”The Saints sign Darren Sproles to a four-year deal — Saints fans may be saying “Who Dat?” but it’s aimed towards Reggie Bush, not Darren Sproles. The former Charger has now usurped two, bigger name backfield talents during his career and the swift, shifty running back makes for a great replacement for the oft-injured, seldom happy former Mr. Kardashian.

Pinero – i think dude is still hella talented. But god he’s mentally years away from being a leader, if he ever becomes one.

By: That VA Guy

07.29.2011 @ 12:06 PM

The Pats are setting themselves up again nicely, I can’t help but be envious to how they reload every season. Vince will pick up some garbage time or come in to throw picks when Vick inevitably getts hurt. Good to see my skins drop fat Albert and McNabb who is off to disappoint yet another teams fanbase.

By: Pinero

07.29.2011 @ 12:13 PM

I absolutely agree Gotty. I hope he doesn’t need jail time to mature, like Vick did.

By: Willie P

07.29.2011 @ 12:25 PM

Reggie Bush has played in some very groupie friendly football cities.

By: the kid frankie

07.29.2011 @ 12:26 PM

Finally! I was waiting on this post.
I said it in the last football post & will say it again, Billy & Tommy are coming for that 4th ring. If the new guys dont act right, their ass is gone before the season is over. Especially Haynesworth, he has more to prove.. This week has been full of surprises & letdowns. I dont think i’ve ever yelled @ the tv more.
Where are the Bucs @!? They got all that cap space & been quiet all week.
Lol @ intangibles.
That Derek Andy press conf. is classic. “its not funny!”
Braylon is done in NY, I think.
Lol @ the Sproles pic.
*PRAYS incessantly that Nnamdi doesnt go to NY*

By: The Real Anonymous

07.29.2011 @ 12:26 PM

1. McNabb is a very good QB (and I am one who does not believe there are many good QB’s in the league). I have never understood people’s criticisms of the guy. Change his skin color and 50% of the dislike would disappear (I am serious too). He did terribly because a terrible owner runs the Redskins.
2. Hasselbeck has a couple of years left in him – if he stays healthy. The thing about older players is that they can be great one year and fall off the next due to age (Dan Marino, Brett Favre, Rich Gannon). He is a smart QB.
3. Sidney Rice should have stayed in Minnesota. He has no one reliable to throw to him in Seattle.
4. Albert and Chad – enh. Not sure about either acquisitions.
5. Reggie Bush will contribute in no way as a RB in Miami. The dude is nowhere near a Top Ten back. Wrong RB to pick up. I cannot believe that dude was set to make 11 mill this year too.
6. Kolb – juries still out. They paid too much for the dude. But he is much better than what they had.
7. Vince Young? Brilliant signing. As said, Vick most likely will miss some time (I hope not but I cringe every time he takes off and runs – he is just too small). Great backup if that happens.
8. I hate the Jets, but if they sign Nnamdi. Super Bowl bound.

By: Lil' Nello

07.29.2011 @ 12:43 PM

Maybe you didn’t include it because it hasn’t been made official yet but I think the Vikings did well by getting Braylon Edwards to add with the recent acquisition of McNabb! The Pats made some bold moves to that should have them in contention again! Now hopefully Nndami stays with the Raiders!

By: the kid frankie

07.29.2011 @ 12:49 PM

& even if the Jets do land Nnamdi, I dont think they will get to the Super Bowl. Their offense needs to get better, if anything. If I remember correctly, in last yrs AFC chip game the Jets DID NOT move the ball up the field that well against the steel curtain. While Mendenhall & Big Ben stayed making the big plays. They will get by the okay defenses but, not against the good ones. Unless ‘Sanchize’ steps his game up.

I think I almost got fired yesterday when I saw the Patriot trades when I was at work yesterday. I was yelling and running around the building like I got some of that Haynesworth money.

I think my squad is the best at turning shit into gold (see: The WHOLE Patriots team, Brady included) so how can I not be elated about this. And I’m not one that generally likes to get ahead of himself but whatever, let me at least have my day.

I also think Kolb and Fitzgerald will mess VERY well. Did San Fran not make any moves?

By: El Rosado

07.29.2011 @ 1:21 PM

Being a Bears fan is infuriating. Management always drags their feet in the off-season and moves at a deliberate pace. It’s doubly infuriating with the offseason being compressed into such a small window of time and our veteran core aging, need to make moves now. We need at least 2 WR’s. I be happy with any combo of Randy Moss, Sims-Walker, Braylon, and another piece. But no. We go for cowboy rejects (Hurd and Roy Will). THE FUCK.

Cheap ass dragging ass McCaskey family. That old trick Virginia (owner) needs to keel over and kick the bucket already so the team can be sold to someone who wants to win…her fam is on record saying they’ll likely sell when they inherit from her cause they can’t afford the squad on their own.

Kick the bucket already last.

By: Stay Frosty

07.29.2011 @ 1:56 PM

Sidney chased the money, Seattle aint gonna pull off another miracle season. Ravens have been pretty quiet since dumping those players, they should make a bid for Braylon, they have no other receiver.

Word is the Nnamdi wars is between the Jets and Cowboys.

By: That VA Guy

07.29.2011 @ 2:11 PM

@ TRA how is Dan Snyder the owner responsible for McNabb playing poorly? All the owner did was make sure he was paid handsomely. While the owner can be responsible for running the franchise as a whole down into the ground the fact that McNabb was a bust lays squarely on his own shoulders.

The Patriots are taking it ALL the way this year! Plus they have Ryan Mallet fresh outta Arkansas? Sheeeeeiiit…maaaaaaannn!!! Reggie Bush to Miami? Might as well make that move because now that the Saints have Mark Ingram he’s not going to be that go-to guy now. I think Reggie is talented but after snapping his leg in that game against the 49ers last year, his confidence has yet to return. For the rest of the teams…cast your ticket for the Andrew Luck sweepstakes!

I don’t know what the Dolphins were thinking. Bush is nothing more than a 3rd down change of pace back.

Philly has made some great pick ups; but I still ride with the Giants

By: J. Tinsley

07.31.2011 @ 3:33 PM

The biggest surprise of all this (ok, other than Philly) was the fact Tampa Bay made no moves whatsoever. They had like $50M in cap space or some astronomical number like that.

By: Raj

07.31.2011 @ 4:17 PM

LOL Tampa paid 19 mil to a punter, and a shitty punter at that

By: realnigga

07.31.2011 @ 5:27 PM

Falcons won…once they sign back Brent Grimes it’s a wrap

By: That VA Guy

07.31.2011 @ 6:16 PM

I’m not understanding some of yalls logic. It’s Snyders’s team but that has what to do with how a player performs in the game? Anyways I digress, its just good too see someone taking our place as off-season champs. Besides as long as Philly has the coach who holds a Dennys menu over his mouth while calling plays, they’ll continue to dust the empty trophy case for years to come.

By: Big545

07.31.2011 @ 10:15 PM

Eagles still dont have any LBs, A good RB can do damage to the Nickel defense.

By: Lloyd Dobler

08.01.2011 @ 2:37 PM

@That VA Guy

Just snorted a laugh into my lumberjack slam.

Reid’s playcalling has always infuriated me, resulting in my calling for his pink slip at roughly the same time every season. Dude must have been assaulted by a grandfather clock when he was little, guy always seems to crumble into the fetal position when the big game’s on the line with minutes to go.

Must…not…be…optimistic… fuck it. Go Birds!

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[…] another team in Philadelphia was just as busy making power moves, as the Eagles not only won the Nnamdi Asomugha sweepstakes, but received top value for backup quarterback Kevin Kolb. And that’s on top of signing Vince […]